The Starfield system requirements aren't too demanding but I've got a full breakdown of the minimum and recommended PC specs here. Surprisingly, you should be able to run Bethesda's massive sci-fi RPG using a six-year-old graphics card, no problem.
So, if you’re planning on picking up the best gaming PC you can to play Starfield, you won’t need to worry as much about the system requirements, as modern machines pack a punch that ought to be enough to run it. However, most of you out there are likely using an existing system or upgrading your older build, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you can run Starfield and meets its system requirements.
Starfield system requirements
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| PC specs | Minimum | Reccomended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 version 21H1 | Windows 10/11 with updates |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | Intel i5-10600K |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon RX 5700 | Nvidia GeForce 1070 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 126GB SSD | 126GB SSD |
To meet Starfield minimum requirements, Bethesda says you’ll needa GPU on par with either the AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti. The latter arrived back in 2017, so it’s safe to say you won’t need the best graphics card to get up and running. In addition, the developer advises using a CPU like the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K, but don’t let the i7 part fool you, as newer chips like 13th gen Intel i5-13600k should more than do the trick.
While Starfield isn't too CPU intensive, it’s somewhat ravenous when it comes to RAM and your rig will need at least 16GB to meet minimum requirements. That's double what most PC games out there need but the good news is that you won’t need even more for the Starfield recommended requirements, as the figure applies to the suggested specs too.
That said, the Starfield recommended requirements are slightly more demanding. For that the list includes GPUs like the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. Keep in mind that the developer’s suggestions cater to those of you looking to boost fps at higher resolutions, so if you’re not itching peer at planets using the best gaming monitor, you could opt for a lower spec graphics card.
The same goes for Starfield processor recommendations, as while Bethesda explicitly mentions the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X and Intel i5-10600K, there’s room to improvise. That said, the developer’s suggestions are designed to provide an optimal experience on PC, so if you can match or exceed the recommended parts above, you should do just that.
Starfield size requirements
To download Starfield via Steam, you’ll need to free up at least 125GB, which might be a struggle if you’ve got chonky games like Baldur’s Gate 3 already installed.
Capacity isn’t the only thing that could catch your PC out, as Starfield is designed to use solid-state drives. You won’t necessarily need the best SSD for gaming, but if you’re still rocking an old mechanical hard drive, you may well run into some trouble while planet hopping. The spec do say you need an SSD generally and the game has had some stuttering issues when run from HDDs
Starfield gaming PC prep list
Now that we've covered system requirements, here's a rundown of all the gaming PC checks before take-off that'll potentially help you boost fps in Starfield:
- Check your PC meets Starfield minimum requirements.
- Make sure you're using a SSD rather than a traditional hard disk drive.
- Free up at least 125GB storage.
- Uninstall any unnecessary background apps.
- Turn on 'game mode' in Windows settings.
If you've checked your rig for the following, and you're comfortably exceeding the above PC specs, you should be ready to explore the stars. That said, you'll want to swing by our Starfield Steam Deck guide if you're planning on playing using Valve's portable powerhouse. There's a few additional things to consider on the performance and compatibility front, and we're here to lend a handheld helping hand.
Looking to play Starfield on the go? Check out the best gaming laptops and explore space using a portable powerhouse. Alternatively, take a peek at the best Alienware gaming PC builds for appropriately themed sci-fi rigs.
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Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor
I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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